Multi-input multi-directional device for computer or electronic device input (keyboard-type device)

Abstract

The invention is to enable quick keyboard input for practically any sized device through the use of two primary multi-direction inputs. By pressing two multi-direction inputs, each in a direction, the user enters an alphanumeric character. Existing patents (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,590,566, 7,171,498, 7,417,566) require larger, slower interfaces or aren't as user friendly.

1 . A device or program implementing a user interface consisting of two multi-direction inputs to produce alphanumeric character input for devices in the manner of a keyboard. 
   
   
       2 . The device or program of  claim 1  can optionally include additional inputs as buttons, switches, tilt functions, etc. to increase the number of alphanumeric characters available for input or to act as a Shift, Ctrl, Alt, etc. function (in the manner of keyboard keys). 
   
   
       3 . The device or program of  claim 1  sends alphanumeric input for the connected device when both multi-directional inputs are put into non-neutral positions. 
   
   
       4 . The device or program of  claim 1  does not send input when one of the multi-direction inputs is in the neutral (center) position. 
   
   
       5 . The device or program of  claim 1  can be made with a multitude of existing hardware multi-direction devices, buttons, etc. or as software for existing devices with two multi-direction inputs, touch screens, or any device that can accept two multi-directional inputs. 
   
   
       6 . The device or program of  claim 1  can optionally have a mode where it retains the state of the first input (both directions) and accepts a second input (the inputs are in series) to enable the device to input a much larger set of characters. 
   
   
       7 . The device or program of  claim 1  can optionally include visual output around the multi-directional inputs or on an LCD display to show which characters will be input for each direction of the multi-directional inputs. 
   
   
       8 . The device or program of  claim 1  can optionally include outputs around the multi-directional inputs for braille display to indicate which characters will be input for each direction of the multi-directional inputs. 
   
   
       9 . The optional displays of  claims 7  and  8  show the user which alphanumeric characters are available for the associated directions. When one input's direction is selected the other input's displays show the individual characters that will be input when that direction is selected.